OSIRIS-REx Navigates 5 Challenging Steps to Bring Back Asteroid Samples

2023-09-22 07:35:25

OSIRIS-REx to Return Asteroid Samples in 5 Steps

NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission is set to face its most challenging phase as it prepares to return to Earth for atmospheric reentry and recovery. After a seven-year journey, the spacecraft will deliver a capsule containing surface material from the asteroid Bennu, making it the first NASA mission to retrieve such samples.

The spacecraft launched on September 8, 2016, and arrived in orbit around Bennu in August 2018. It spent two years scanning and mapping the asteroid's surface before descending to collect material in October 2020.

Now, as OSIRIS-REx approaches Earth, the focus is on the sample return capsule's atmospheric reentry and landing.

Step 1: OSIRIS-REx Sample Capsule Separation

The OSIRIS-REx return capsule will separate from the spacecraft to begin its descent down to the Utah desert.

On September 24, the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft will power up and ensure its trajectory is aligned to release the sample return capsule. The capsule will separate from the spacecraft and begin its solo descent to the Utah desert. The spacecraft will then adjust its course away from Earth.

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Step 2: Atmospheric Reentry

"The return capsule, with the Bennu sample onboard, will encounter Earth's atmosphere and slow its descent."

Approximately four hours after separation, the return capsule will enter Earth's upper atmosphere at high speeds. Its shape will enable it to slow down without disintegrating. The capsule will go through intense deceleration forces and glow with heat, allowing NASA to track its trajectory using infrared imaging.

Step 3: Drogue Parachute Deployment

"The spacecraft's drogue parachute will deploy to slow its descent from hypersonic to subsonic speeds."

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About two minutes after entering the atmosphere, the drogue parachute will deploy, slowing the descent of the return capsule. Radar stations will track its trajectory to determine the precise landing location.

Step 4: Main Parachute Deployment

"The return capsule's main parachute will deploy, softly lowering it to a landing in the Utah desert."

With the return capsule about one mile above the ground, the main parachute will deploy, further slowing its descent. The capsule is expected to land within a designated area at the Utah Test and Training Range.

Step 5: OSIRIS-REx Lands in the Utah Desert

"The return capsule will touch down on the desert floor, completing its mission."

After a few minutes, the return capsule will land on the desert floor, with a slow descent speed. Once the landing area is deemed safe, the capsule will be recovered and taken to a nearby cleanroom for further examination. The samples will eventually be transported to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston for scientists to study.

Throughout this process, NASA and the OSIRIS-REx team have been meticulously planning and practicing each step to ensure the safe and successful return of the asteroid samples.

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